Add or subtract as indicated. 75.2 + 123.96 + 3.897

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the numbers to be added: 75.2, 123.96, and 3.897.
2. Align the numbers by their decimal points to ensure proper addition:
3. \(\begin{array}{r} 75.200 \\ 123.960 \\ +\ 3.897 \end{array}\)
4. Add the numbers column by column starting from the rightmost decimal place, carrying over if necessary.
5. Write the sum with the decimal point aligned, ensuring the correct number of decimal places.

Key Concepts

Decimal Addition

Decimal addition involves adding numbers with decimal points by aligning the decimal points vertically. This ensures that digits in the same place value (tenths, hundredths, etc.) are added correctly. After alignment, add each column starting from the right, carrying over if necessary.

Place Value Alignment

Place value alignment means arranging numbers so that digits with the same place value line up in columns. For decimals, this means lining up the decimal points to ensure tenths, hundredths, and thousandths are added properly. This prevents errors in calculation.

Rounding and Precision

Rounding and precision refer to expressing the final answer with an appropriate number of decimal places. When adding decimals, the result should be rounded to the least number of decimal places present in the original numbers to maintain accuracy.